October 29, 2015

Immune Problems Causing ENT Problems

The immune system is what helps a body fight off infections. However, the immune system can also cause problems when it does not work properly resulting in symptoms and misery.

Within our bodies float millions of tiny cells called White Blood Cells (aka, leukocytes) which are the soldiers that look for and destroy any abnormal cells or germs. Other proteins in the blood called immunoglobulins (aka, antibodies) are like free-floating drones that immediately stick on to any abnormal cells or germs to "mark" it for destruction by the white blood cells, kind of like a homing beacon.

When everything works, health is perfect. However, for whatever reason, the immune system can start to work abnormally. Lets take a look at the ways the immune system can become dysfunctional.

Allergies

Allergies is when the immune system starts attacking pollen and other "normal" stuff like its an infection to be destroyed... except it's hard to destroy something that is present everywhere all the time. That's why sometimes someone with bad allergies may look like someone who has a bad viral upper respiratory infection.

As most people know, allergies cause a great deal of sino-nasal suffering with sneezing, runny nose, congestion, etc.

Autoimmune Diseases

Such diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's, sarcoidosis, Wegener's, etc. Such diseases occur when the immune system starts attacking normal cells in the body like it's an intruder to be destroyed. For example, the normal joints in rheumatoid arthritis are attacked by the immune system. In Sjogren's disease, the normal salivary glands are attacked by the immune system.

Why this happens is unclear, but rheumatologists are the specialists who deal with these conditions.

From an ENT perspective, autoimmune disorders may manifest as recurrent nosebleeds, nasal congestion, growths or lesions in the throat/mouth, etc.

Immunodeficiency

When there are not enough white blood cells floating around or the white blood cells themselves become abnormal, a state of immunodeficiency is present. This condition also applies when there are lower than normal amounts of immunoglobulins. With fewer "soldiers" around, infections happen more frequently and severely.

Often immunodeficiency is manifested by chronic, recurrent sinus and ear infections. So when the typical medical and surgical treatments do not work, an immunodeficiency may be present.

HIV/AIDS is one type of immunodeficiency caused when the HIV virus kills off the white blood cells.

Selective IgA Deficiency (SIgAD) is another form of immunodeficiency... in fact it is the most common type occurring in 1 in 333 people.

Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

You might be interested in reading...

  • Are OTC Otoscopes Any Good? (Dr. Mom Pocket Otoscope, etc)
    12/03/2014 - 5 Comments
    So I was hanging out at Walgreens one day and noticed that there are several models of otoscopes for sale in…
  • NYT Article: Weight Loss By Manipulating Sense of Smell
    06/18/2009 - 0 Comments
    There was an interesting NYT article on June 17, 2009 where some niche companies are claiming one can lose…
  • R&B Singer Maxwell with Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
    06/25/2012 - 0 Comments
    At least that's what the Washington Post reported on June 22, 2012. This has resulted in…
  • Dr. Christopher Chang Has Been Named as One of America's Top Physicians
    09/29/2008 - 0 Comments
    Congratulations to Dr. Christopher Chang who has been named as one of America's Top Physicians by the…
  • Liquid Biopsy for Head and Neck Cancer
    06/05/2016 - 0 Comments
    Liquid biopsy is when a simple blood draw is performed in order to detect cancer cells (CTC) or mutated DNA…
  • Coffee Decreases Risk of Head & Neck Cancer
    06/22/2010 - 1 Comments
    Researchers at University of Utah found that regular coffee drinkers who drank more than four cups of…
  • New Video on
    11/13/2011 - 3 Comments
    Our office has produced a new video describing "where" snoring comes from determined by a simple procedure…
  • Singulair May Help Cure Mild Sleep Apnea in Children
    08/07/2012 - 0 Comments
    Singulair (generic montelukast as of Aug 2012) is a medication often prescribed for asthma as well as…

Banner Map

Pediatric Neck Masses

Adult Neck Mass Workup